Athlene C. Stephens, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. She was born December 20, 1937, in Beckley, W.V. to the late Norine Clara Foster and Leonard Perkins.

Athlene was a woman of unwavering faith, devoted to loving God, serving others, and caring deeply for her friends and family.

For more than 50 years, she faithfully attended Grace Baptist Church, where she taught first-grade Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served in the church's senior adult ministry. Her quiet faith and servant's heart touched countless lives and reflected Christ in all she did.

She found great joy in spending time with family and friends, especially while traveling across the country and making memories together. Whether exploring new places or gathering around her kitchen table for biscuits and peanut butter fudge, she had a special gift for making everyone feel at home.

While her family will miss her dearly, they find comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior and reunited with the love of her life, Otis Stephens, as well as the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings she missed greatly during her lifetime.

Her legacy of love will live on in those who knew her best; her loving children, Karen (Brent) Humberson and Donna (Jeffery) Miller; her cherished grandchildren, Laura (Brandon) Lance, Lisa (Christopher) McDevitt, Michael (Madelaine) Humberson, Anastasia (Evan) Brooks, Irina (Dylan) Humberson-Grubbs, Alexandra Humberson and Abigail Miller; her adorable great-grandchildren, Evelyn Lance, Jane McDevitt, Bailey McDevitt, Cara McDevitt; her siblings, Joyce Wilson, and Rosetta Gibson; and many extended nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.

Athlene is preceded in death by her loving husband, Otis Britten Stephens; her parents; her siblings, Amos Perkins, Irene Meadows, Harry Perkins, Leonard Perkins, MacArthur Perkins, Geraldine Perkins, Bobby Lee Perkins; grandson, Elijah Miller; and great-grandchildren, Sam McDevitt and Baby Lance.

Family will welcome friends from 4pm-8pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Waite Funeral Home located at 3300 Center Rd. in Brunswick, Ohio. A Funeral Service will take place at 11am on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Rd., in Brunswick with family receiving friends from 9-10am. Athlene will be laid to rest with her husband, Otis, in a private family service at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Athlene’s memory to https://www.rachelsgift.org/.

Messages of comfort may be left for the family at www.WaiteFuneralHome.com.